In the forested regions of Siempang District, Stung Treng Province in northeastern Cambodia, malaria has long been a hidden threat to forest-goers and mobile populations. But thanks to the tireless efforts of Village Malaria Workers (VMWs), Mobile Malaria Workers (MMWs), and civil society organizations (CSOs), the country is steadily advancing toward malaria elimination.
In 2023, Cambodia reported only 1,384 malaria cases, with just 34 caused by Plasmodium falciparum (Pf). By the end of 2024, those numbers dropped dramatically to 355 cases, with 28 Pf cases (2 locally acquired and 26 internationally imported). These gains are a testament to the country’s aggressive malaria control strategies, particularly in hard-to-reach forested areas.
Through the Global Fund-supported RAI4E programme in Siempang District, civil society organizations like Malaria Consortium (MC) and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) are working closely with government partners to drive Cambodia’s malaria response forward. Their dedicated efforts have been crucial in supporting Village and Mobile Malaria Workers—the frontline defenders against malaria. Stationed in villages and deep forest areas, these workers provide life-saving services, from testing and treatment to distributing hammock nets and insect repellent to forest-goers and migrant workers who are most at risk.
One MMW shared, “We stay close to the forest, like the people we serve. When they work far from the village, we go to them. We bring tests, medicine, and education, and follow them through treatment to ensure they recover.”
Expanding Impact with Integrated Health Services
As malaria cases decrease, Cambodia is broadening its health focus. By late 2023, the National Center for Parasitology, Entomology, and Malaria Control (CNM) had integrated 82% of VMWs into a broader community health platform. These workers are now trained in malaria, dengue, helminths, and chikungunya. In some areas, they are also addressing maternal and child health (MCH) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), following CNM’s integrated VMW roadmap.
A VMW in Siempang noted, “Before, we only focused on malaria. Now, we’re helping our communities with more health concerns. They trust us more and come to us earlier—even before symptoms worsen.”
The transformation of malaria posts into community health entry points is progressing. Pregnant women now receive regular counseling on antenatal care, safe delivery, and postnatal support. Families are encouraged to access immunization, nutrition supplements, and health education services, signaling a shift toward people-centered care.
Village Health Support Groups (VHSGs) play a key role in this integrated approach. Managed by commune councils and trained through government programs, VHSGs bridge the gap between communities, health centers, and local authorities. VHSG members coordinate monthly health education sessions in malaria-endemic areas and conduct home visits, reaching multiple households.
Despite progress, challenges remain. Forest-based livelihoods, seasonal migration, poor road conditions, and a lack of connectivity make it difficult to track patients and ensure they follow their treatment plan, particularly for Plasmodium vivax (Pv), which requires a radical cure with a 7-day treatment. However, following this full treatment can be difficult, especially for people who are always on the move. To overcome these barriers, MMWs often walk for hours or days through difficult terrain to reach mobile groups and deliver essential care.
Beyond Malaria: Building the Future of Community Health
With malaria cases at historic lows, Cambodia is already looking ahead. The role of Village and Mobile Malaria Workers is evolving from malaria-specific responders to all-around community health champions. Civil Society Organizations remain at the heart of this transformation. Their support in training, advocacy, and on-the-ground coordination ensures that no one is left behind, especially those hardest to reach: forest workers, mobile populations, ethnic minorities, and youth.
As Cambodia closes in on malaria elimination, the strong foundation built by CSOs and frontline workers offers a blueprint for resilient, inclusive, and community-centered health systems—now and in the future.
*The CSO platform gathered this story during a field visit to Cambodia in August 2024. The CSO platform is a network of community and civil society organizations working on malaria and/or serving vulnerable populations, including mobile and migrant populations, ethnic communities, forest and farm workers, and internally displaced people.
